between some previous knowledge on poverty levels in the US and my current “big farm” research, i came to realization today. my powers of deduction came up with this (in all caps so i wouldn’t lose it in my very long document of quotes):
THE GOVERNMENT POVERTY LEVEL IN THE US IS BASED ON COST OF FOOD FOR FAMILY OF FOUR. THE COST OF FOOD HAS NOT RISEN RELATIVE TO EVERYTHING ELSE WITH INFLATION. THE COST OF FOOD REMAINS LOW DUE TO SUBSIDIES FROM FARM BILL TO INDUSTRIAL AGRICULTURE. GOVERNMENT POVERTY LEVEL REMAINS TOO LOW FOR WORKING PEOPLE TO GET A HAND UP. THE GOVERNMENT IS REGULATING THE POVERTY LEVEL THROUGH FARM BILL (WHICH IRONICALLY INCLUDES FOOD STAMPS) – INSTEAD OF GIVING THE HANDOUTS TO POOR PEOPLE THROUGH GOVT PROGRAMS, IT IS GIVING THE HANDOUTS TO BIG INDUSTRIAL AG.
*sudden clarity clarence*